Interestingly, Xabi Alonso`s initial matches managing Real Madrid were more notable for the players who were absent than for those who played. Kylian Mbappe was forced to miss the group stage due to a bout of gastroenteritis, while speculation about Rodrygo`s future continued as he started only one of the team`s first four Club World Cup fixtures. Although it might not have seemed likely at first, this situation perfectly set the stage for the unexpected standout performer in Real Madrid`s journey to the tournament`s quarterfinals – Gonzalo Garcia.
The 21-year-old product of the club`s academy initially seemed to be just a temporary option covering for unavailable senior attackers. However, he quickly proved his worth, earning a place alongside established players like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. He made his fourth start in the competition on Tuesday, repaying Alonso`s confidence by scoring the only goal in the victory against Juventus in the round of 16, marking his third goal in the tournament. His most recent goal was a header, intuitively flicking the ball into the net from a well-delivered cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Garcia is now among the leading goalscorers in the competition, tied with prominent figures such as Bayern Munich`s Harry Kane and Manchester City`s Erling Haaland, each with three goals. This is a significant change from his status just weeks prior, having only made six appearances for the senior squad before the Club World Cup began. This limited prior involvement might partly be attributed to Real Madrid`s previous manager, Carlo Ancelotti, who wasn`t particularly known for integrating young players. Whether Alonso will adopt a different approach remains to be seen, but regardless, Garcia`s ascent reflects the conditions, both positive and negative, created by the tournament`s new structure.
Even while teams from outside Europe`s top tier get their moments in the spotlight, this tournament still conceptually favors elite clubs, theoretically creating opportunities for managers to experiment with strategies and team selections in the early phases. This is especially relevant following a long season and perhaps even more so for Real Madrid, as this competition offers an initial glimpse into Alonso`s tactical vision for the team in preparation for the upcoming season.
Garcia`s individual performances alone validate Alonso`s approach to experimentation – he has recorded three goals and one assist in 293 minutes played, while also creating three scoring chances. Alonso has already drawn comparisons between him and Real Madrid legend Raul, another celebrated goalscorer from the academy. Garcia`s notable attribute appears to be his versatility, enabling him to play effectively across the entire front line, perhaps offering more adaptability than some of the team`s high-profile, yet potentially less flexible, attackers. He is playing a vital part as Alonso begins to refine his version of the team, aspiring to replicate the high-pressing intensity seen in his successful Bayer Leverkusen side, aligning with contemporary football tactics.
Beyond Garcia`s direct contributions, Alonso`s broader tactical plans seem to be materializing. After a somewhat disjointed 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal at the start of the competition, they delivered a dominant, attack-focused performance against Juventus. While not always aesthetically pleasing, they significantly outshot Juventus 21-6 and arguably would have scored multiple goals had Michele Di Gregorio not made ten saves for the Italian team. Real Madrid achieved this performance with a blend of familiar faces and new additions that seems poised to define Alonso`s initial period at the club – key players Bellingham and Vinicius took three and four shots respectively, Dean Huijsen appeared more comfortable in his new role as a ball-playing defender, and Alexander-Arnold made a strong case for being one of the signings of the summer with his assist.
However, Garcia`s breakthrough provides Real Madrid with a crucial depth and tactical flexibility that was sometimes lacking as their domestic and European campaigns last season concluded without silverware. His emergence is a positive sign for their prospects in the Club World Cup, especially after Manchester City`s unexpected exit, and could well provide a significant boost of optimism for the season ahead.
